The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – Hour 2: Are You Serious, CA?

Date: February 6, 2026
Hosts: Buck Sexton, guest co-host Katie Zachariah

Episode Overview

This hour of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show focuses on California's political landscape, recent state controversies, the possibility of Republicans making significant gains in traditionally blue California, and broader cultural discussions. Buck Sexton is joined by "California Consigliere" and legal expert Katie Zachariah to dissect the state’s upcoming gubernatorial race, alleged mismanagement by Democrat leaders, cultural hypocrisy in Hollywood, the "woke mind virus," and new efforts to combat fraud in the state. The latter half includes listener feedback and lighter banter on health, fitness, and policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

California’s Gubernatorial Race: Surprising Republican Momentum

• Unexpected GOP Strength:
  Katie highlights recent polling that places Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco at the top, even in traditionally left-leaning polls (02:48).

  “We have Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco really at the top of almost every poll, even in Public Policy Institute of California, which is essentially a deep blue poll company.” – Katie Zachariah [02:48]

• Open Primary System:
  California’s top-two open primary could pit two Republicans against each other in the general election, if the polling holds.

• Democratic Field in Disarray:
  Katie Porter is faltering after negative press, and Eric Swalwell may be deemed ineligible due to residency issues.

  "Swalwell ... has investigated, is not a resident of California, and so he's not going to be able to run at least right now as a governor." – Katie Zachariah [04:01]

• Voter ID as a Turning Point:
  Republican hopes hinge on a ballot measure for voter ID, gaining traction with support from high-profile advocates like Elon Musk.

  “If we had voter ID Buck, I could say we'd likely get a Republican in, in 26. I have my doubts without any kind of regulation on who's going to those polls.” – Katie Zachariah [02:48]

• GOP Unity Needed:
  Katie argues a unified GOP ticket—with runner-up becoming lieutenant governor—would be the party’s best shot.

Democratic Mismanagement and Scandals

• Palisades Fire Aftermath:
  Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces accusations of "criminal negligence" and covering up the city's handling of the devastating Palisades fire.

  "The mayor is criminally negligent and liable for the Palisades fire and then a massive cover up... she actually maliciously covered up a report that was supposed to be a transparent report on how the fire was handled." – Katie Zachariah [08:05]

• Media Double Standards:
  Katie claims that if a Republican had been responsible, coverage would be more severe.

Hollywood Hypocrisy & “Stolen Land”

• Billie Eilish and Land Disputes:
  The hosts mock celebrities' pronouncements on "stolen land," noting that Billie Eilish is now being asked by a local tribe to return her Malibu mansion’s land.

  "You want to get up and say it, you gotta, you know, put your money where your mouth is." – Katie Zachariah [11:02]

“Woke Mind Virus,” Protests, and Indoctrination

• CorePower Yoga Protest:
  Discussion of a viral video showing activists at a Minneapolis yoga studio harassing staff over ICE signage; Katie says this kind of hyper-aggressive activism has eclipsed core values.

  “To use the word 'woke mind virus' actually doesn’t encapsulate the entirety of what’s happening with an entire population of people that have turned against even their core values.” – Katie Zachariah [12:18]

• Broader Cultural Critique:
  Buck and Katie lament the loss of societal norms like respect, forgiveness, and helping one’s community.

New Anti-Fraud Task Force in California

• J.D. Vance Leading Probe:
  Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to chair a new task force targeting fraud in California, estimated by Katie to be “probably around $250 billion or more.”

  “It's perfect that it's going to be JD Vance because if Gavin Newsom does get the endorsement... for the presidential run and he goes against JD Vance, he's going to have to answer directly for the fraud that JD Vance is looking at in California.” – Katie Zachariah [13:42]

• National Lens:
  Katie suggests California’s handling of fraud may shape national political narratives, especially ahead of major international events like the Olympics and FIFA tournaments.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Democratic Polling:

  “I think if we just... reran those episodes of her screaming at her staff and yelling at reporters, we might see that [poll] go down. I think it's a fake poll... much to the same as we've seen nationwide with fake polling.”
  – Katie Zachariah [04:01]

• On Mayoral Accountability:

  “Mayor Bass... should be resigning in shame. Not just for that report, but for how she's handled this the entire time. But somehow they just keep getting away with it...”
  – Katie Zachariah [08:05]

• On Activist Culture:

  “If you want to save the world, start at home... It’s really easy to march ‘I want to save everybody from ICE.’ You’re not saving anybody, you’re just yelling at people on the street and being annoying.”
  – Buck Sexton [20:58]

Important Segments and Timestamps

• [01:35] – Show introduction and Katie Zachariah joins
• [02:48] – California GOP polling surge, implications for open primary system
• [04:01] – Democrat field discussion: Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell
• [05:53] – “Moderate” Democrat discussed, Katie’s prescription for GOP unity
• [07:27] – Palisades Fire: Mayoral disaster and cover-up
• [09:52] – Hollywood hypocrisy: Billie Eilish and “stolen land”
• [11:53] – Yoga studio ICE controversy and “woke” culture
• [13:42] – Anti-fraud taskforce announced, led by JD Vance
• [14:49] – Katie’s upcoming media appearances; further critiques of mainstream press
• [19:19 & 20:31] – Listener feedback: Minnesota and Alaska caller responses to “broken” culture
• [22:56] – Lighthearted exchange on yoga/fitness culture
• [28:48] – Prescription drug pricing reform: Trump’s trumprx.gov initiative
• [32:49] – Dr. Makary on health policy and breaking pharmacy middleman strangleholds

Additional Highlights

• Prescription Drug Pricing:

  • Trump’s new site, trumprx.gov, is touted as a major step to lower costs and reduce middlemen in drug pricing.
  • Dr. Makary (FDA) explains how PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) are removed from the chain, allowing direct purchase from manufacturers ([32:49]).

• Cultural Segment: Health & Fitness:

  • Buck and Katie banter about yoga, spin classes, and the importance of walking and daily health routines.
  • Buck advocates regular walking with loved ones for health and relationship benefits ([23:01]).

• Listener Feedback:

  • Tim from Minnesota and Pam from Alaska weigh in on the show’s humor and critique current cultural values, especially regarding women's identity and activism ([19:19], [20:31]).

Tone & Language

The episode maintains the show’s signature blend of irreverence, conservative critique, and cultural satire. Katie Zachariah provides punchy, lawyerly commentary, while Buck keeps the energy high with lively banter, humor, and timely listener engagement.

“It's a beautiful time to be alive, a beautiful time to be in America. And we have so much to discuss here.” – Buck Sexton [38:46]

Summary for Non-Listeners

This hour delivers an informed, entertaining deep-dive into California’s unique political battleground, revealing cracks in Democratic dominance and exploring the circumstances under which Republicans might finally break through. The show skewers perceived hypocrisy in Hollywood activism, exposes alleged political cover-ups, and discusses new initiatives to reform drug pricing and tackle fraud. The discussions are balanced with lighter moments about fitness trends and personal health. Even if you’re not closely following California politics, the hour offers a window into the culture wars, campaign maneuvering, and broader social critiques at play in today’s America.